CD Review: Communic - Payment of Existence

When I first heard Communic, it coincided with my first time ever hearing of them. As I listened that first time, I knew that I liked them. The problem was that I did not know why. I cannot say that any of the music really stood out or amazed me in anyway. Despite not having a definitive opinion, there was absolutely no denying that these guys are talented and have put together a solid album. The more I listened to it, the more was revealed, but I still cannot say exactly what it is about them that works so well.

There are some bands that when you listen to them the good songs will make themselves apparent, or there will be someone who delivers a jaw dropping performance. Communic’s Payment of Existence does not have any of those moments. The best I can surmise is that the album is so solid across the board that everything was done at the top of their game, therefore there are no bad tunes to make others look good. Does that make sense? It is like there is no such thing as good without bad, and since this album does not have any bad material, there is no good to rise above.

At the same time, because the peaks and valleys do not exist across the album, the end result is a little flat. Now, don't get all upset over that, hear me out. This album is filled with strong guitar work, drumming, singing, with excellent songwriting holding it all together. This high level of skill on display results in a solid, if unspectacular, album. I already know that I will want to come back to it time and again to listen to it, but I will not be able to pick out any one or two songs to focus on, for a play list, rather any song will do.

As I was doing a little bit, just a little, reading up on the band I found a few writers comparing them to Nevermore. Frankly, I don't really hear it. They both play a technical style of metal, but, to me, Nevermore sounds like there is more emotion behind it, not to mention the music has a bit heavier sound, while Communic does have a strong emotional quotient, but the sound, to me is more technical than emotional. There was also something else about their sound that stood apart from Nevermore, there was a hint of European flavor. Not that I really know what European flavor means, but they did not sound like an American metal band. Color me surprised to find they hail from Norway. Well, not really, but you catch my drift.

Taking Payment of Existence as a whole you will find a lot of variation strewn throughout each song. There is not a lot of variation from song to song, but when you look into each song you will uncover moments of soft acoustic melody leading into full on speed driven passages, or vice versa. The songs have an epic scope to them, taking their time to gain momentum, allowing the various instrument voices to weave into a larger tapestry. It does not hurt that the shortest song approaches six minutes, while the longest clocks in north of nine, combining to give the album a runtime of more than an hour with just eight songs. There is plenty of room for the songs to stretch out.

This three piece have a lot to offer. Oddleif Stensland leads the band, performing both vocals and guitars. His voice is strong and has a good range, while his guitar playing is solid, delivering some nice melodies and powerful riffs. Behind him is a solid rhythm section of Erik Mortensen on bass and Tor Atle Andersen on drums. For being a three-piece, Communic has a big, expansive sound.

Bottomline. You could do a lot worse than Communic. Payment of Existence is a really good album, and while it may have sounded like complaining about the through and through solidness of the record, I was not. Seriously, how can you complain about an album that maintains a consistently high level of craftsmanship throughout? You can't. Do yourself a favor and check these guys out, you will not be disappointed.

Recommended.